Obituary

Joe Gier

January 19, 1950 - March 16, 2013

Joe Gier, age 63, of Russellville, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born January 19, 1950, in Aurora Springs, a son of Harley L. and Juanita Faye Sullens Gier. On March 10, 1979, Joe was united in marriage to Teresa Raithel, who survives at their home. He was a 1968 graduate of Russellville High School. He was an U.S. Army veteran, serving his country in the Vietnam War. Joe was an over-the-road truck driver, working for Overnight Transportation/UPS Freight, retiring on his birthday in 2010, after 25 years of employment. Joe was a racing fan. As a young boy his parents introduced him to circle track races and from that moment on the love of car racing was born. Everyone knew, MOPAR products were his brand of choice. His love of racing led him to help establish the Russellville Eliminators, a successful drag racing club which included many of his family and friends. Joe attended the Mt. Olive Baptist Church near Russellville. In addition to his wife of 34 years, he is survived by two children, Jacob Gier of Russellville and Kelly Jo Petet and husband Sean of Eldon; two brothers, Art Gier and wife Barb of Russellville and Leon Gier and fiancÈe Debbie of Walker; two sisters, Sharon Smothers and husband Darryl of Lady Lake, Florida and Lisa Bryan and husband Dean of Jefferson City; four granddaughters, Ashley, Abbi, Sarah and Grace; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, J.L. Gier; and sister, Karla Jean Gier. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church near Russellville with Bro. Alan Earls officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Enloe Cemetery west of Russellville. The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; woundedwarriorproject.org.; or the charity of the donor's choice. www.scrivner-morrow.com